t study became a most accomplished general scholar in all these
branches, having left behind him numerous philosophical treatises of
his own on Academic principles; as, indeed, even in his written
speeches, both political and judicial, we see him continually trying
to show his learning by the way. And one may discover the different
temper of each of them in their speeches. For Demosthenes' oratory was
without all embellishment and jesting, wholly composed for real effect
and seriousness; not smelling of the lamp, as Pytheas scoffingly said,
but of the temperance, thoughtfulness, austerity, and grave
earnestness of his temper. Whereas Cicero's love for mockery often ran
him into scurrility; and in his love of laughing away serious
arguments in judicial cases by jests and facetious remarks, with a
view to the advantage of his clients, he paid too little regard to
what was decent. Indeed, Cicero was by natural temper very much
disposed to mirth and pleasantry, and always appeared with a smiling
and serene countenance. But Demosthenes had constant care and
thoughtfulness in his look, and a serious anxiety, which he seldom, if
ever, set aside, and, therefore, was accounted by his enemies, as he
himself confessed, morose and ill-mannered.

Also, it is very evident, out of their several writings, that
Demosthenes never touched upon his own praises but decently and
without offense when there was need of it, and for some weightier end;
but, upon other occasions, modestly and sparingly. But Cicero's
immeasurable boasting of himself in his orations argues him guilty of
an uncontrollable appetite for distinction, his cry being evermore
that arms should give place to the gown, and the soldier's laurel to
the tongue. And at last we find him extolling not only his deeds and
actions, but his orations, also, as well those that were only spoken,
as those that were published. * *

[Illustration: ALEXANDER SEVERUS.]

The power of persuading and governing the people did, indeed, equally
belong to both, so that those who had armies and camps at command
stood in need of their assistance. But what are thought and commonly
said most to demonstrate and try the tempers of men, namely, authority
and place, by moving every passion, and discovering every frailty,
these are things which Demosthenes never received; nor was he ever in
a position to give such proof of himself, having never obtained any
eminent office, nor led any of those armies